Sega's Netlink and Directlink! (Version .59; Sept. 4 2001)
1.1 Table of Contents:
1.2 Legal Stuff
1.3 Intro to FAQ
2.1 Netlink Intro
2.2 List of Netlink Games
2.3 List of players
2.4 Links for Netlink
3.1 DirectLink Intro
3.2 List of DirectLink Games
4.1 Credits
1.2 Legal Stuff:
Legal stuff..... YUCK! Well I guess it has to be done.... Please do not edit
any of this FAQ, as since it is against the creator's wishes (and copyright).
I am not responsible for any of these viruses that you could get off this FAQ
(yeah right, like a text file carries viruses! =P). If this FAQ causes any
damage to you or your computer, I am not responsible. Basically, I'm not
liable for the possible damage this FAQ could do to you, your computer, your
dog, or anyone or thing. Please do enjoy these wonderful things, and don't
abuse them. If you have any questions, please feel free to E-mail me at
noobsa44[at]aol.com. No Spam please.
OK, now that that is done... on with the Show! =)
1.3 Intro to FAQ:
This FAQ simply describes the function of the Netlink and Directlink (or
whatever it is called; if you know the official name, please let me know), and
what games are able to take advantage of their features.
2.1 Netlink Intro:
Netlink- The Netlink was originally a 400 dollar piece of hardware (it
included a Saturn, so it was less than 400) that allowed any and all Saturn
users to get online with the Saturn. While the Netlink was not the first piece
of hardware to allow American gamers to get online (or at least play against
others online), it was the first to allow players to bring their own ISP.
While Sega did have a ISP they recommended, similar to what Sega did with the
dreamcast, they did allow you to choose any ISP that was within their technical
specifications. The Netlink was capable of connecting at a 28.8 connection,
which at the time was pretty good (I think computers were just starting to use
33.6 connections). Anyhow, the Netlink never did that well since it was to
much money, lacked in the number of system users (as in people who own a
Saturn, which was under 5 million), and had few games that use it. In Japan it
didn't do much better since the Japanese pay long distance charges to just go
on the internet (or at least that is what I have read... If you have more info
on the Netlink in Japan, please send it my way!). Europe never got the
Netlink, especially since Europe was the weakest Saturn market. Even so, it
had quite a few users in its heyday, and had 5 games that used it in America.
For more info on the Netlink, see planetweb (the maker of the Netlink's Log on
software) here-
http://www.planetweb.com/netlink/faq.html
2.2 List of Netlink Games:
USA-
Daytona CCE - Netlink Edition *
Duke Nukem 3D
Bomberman
Virtua On- Netlink Edition**
Sega Rally Champ. Plus- Netlink Edition**
Netlink Log on Software 1.0(?)/2.0/3.0/4.x **
* Daytona was and is EXTREMELY RARE since it was only offered on Sega's
website. It is probably the most valuable of all the Netlink games.
** Came in a package with the Netlink.
Japan-
Wachenroder
All others are unknown. Again, if you have ANY information, PLEASE CONTACT
ME!!!
2.3 List of players:
key:
DN = Duke Nukem
VO = Virtua On
SRC = Sega Rally Championship
DUC = Daytona USA CCE
BM = Bomberman
WA = Wachenroder
Phone #'s prefix: E-mail address: Game's owned:
208
Noobsa44@aol.com DN, VO, SRC
Do you wish to add yourself to the list of players in this FAQ? Simply E-mail
me with your Area code, E-mail that you wish me to use, and list of games you
have. My E-mail is
Noobsa44@aol.com.
2.4 Links for Netlink
http://www.geocities.com/netlink96/index.html
http://www.planetweb.com/netlink/
If you have a link you wish to add, send it to me at:
Noobsa44@aol.com
3.1 DirectLink Intro:
DirectLink (aka Link Cable): The DirectLink is simply a little device that
allows two Saturns to connect to each other. However, the problem with it is
that you also need two TVs and two of the same games. So once you have two of
everything, you can connect the two Saturns to play a multiplayer game. So the
question is, "Why would you do that when you can have everything on one TV?"
Well that is simple... You don't want the other player to know what you're
doing or where you're doing it. For example, say your playing Hexen (a game
that has a DirectLink feature, VIA a debug menu!), and your friend know the
level like the back of his hand. So your friend simply watches the screen, and
follows you, and kicks your butt! Well, if you have two Saturns, two TVs and
Two copies of Hexen, you can play on separate screens (which means a bigger
screen for you!!), preventing your friend from cheating.
3.2 List of DirectLink Games:
USA/Europe-
Doom (unconfirmed, and does not work with European copies)
Virtua On (completely UNCONFIRMED, note if you wish to confirm this game,
please state if you're using Netlink versions or normal versions of the game)
Hexen (accessed through debug menu)
**I have heard that Duke Nukem OR Quake may have this feature**
Japan-
Gebockers
Gun Griffon 2
Steeldom
I am unsure if any other games have this feature.... Anyone know?
4.1 Credits:
Created and maintained by:
Noobsa44@aol.com
Special Thanks to- John Hokanson Jr. for compiling the Sega Saturn FAQ (where I
got some DirectLink info).
Everyone who has this FAQ on their site, while not editing it! =)